What makes Tastebuds different from regular toothpaste?
Most toothpastes are designed around what happens while you're brushing. We started thinking about what happens afterwards.
Tastebuds is an Australian-made, natural, SLS-free toothpaste designed to clean your teeth, leave your mouth feeling fresh and avoid interfering with the taste of what comes next.
Why does coffee or orange juice taste so bad after brushing?
Ever had orange juice, coffee or just after brushing your teeth? It tastes terrible. Why?
Most conventional toothpastes contain sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), a synthetic foaming agent that temporarily chsnges your sense of taste. Research has shown that SLS can reduce your perception of sweetness and enhances bitterness.
That explains why your morning coffee or orange juice might taste completely different after brushing. Until now. That's the reason we made Tastebuds.
What is SLS, and why don't you use it?
Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) is a synthetic detergent commonly used in toothpaste to create foam to disperse ingredients throughout your mouth and create the sensation of cleaning.
Unfortunately, it interferes with how we taste.
We wanted the cleaning experience without that particular side effect, so we developed an SLS-free formula.
According to Evolve Dental in Brisbane "SLS irritates the mouth and strips away the lining, which can lead to canker sores, irritation and organ toxicity. Almost 16,000 studies have exposed the toxic nature of this chemical, often used as an insecticide."
Will Tastebuds affect the taste of my food and drinks?
Tastebuds is formulated without SLS, the ingredient commonly associated with that unpleasant change in taste after brushing.
That means you can brush your teeth without the same SLS-related interference with sweetness and bitterness.
You'll still experience the fresh mild mint flavour immediately after brushing. But our aim is simple: a clean, fresh mouth that doesn't get in the way of enjoying what comes next.
Why did you create Tastebuds?
It started around a coffee tasting table.
Our co-founder Tim had spent 15 years working in specialty coffee, where understanding the balance of sweetness, acidity and bitterness was part of everyday life.
One morning, every coffee he tasted seemed wrong. Yet everyone else around the table thought the coffees tasted exactly as they should.
The difference unknowingly turned out to be the toothpaste he'd used that morning contained SLS.
That discovery led to a simple question: why should looking after your teeth mean compromising your ability to taste?
A few years of research and countless samples later, Tastebuds was born.
Does Tastebuds contain fluoride?
No. Tastebuds is fluoride-free.
Instead, our formula contains hydroxyapatite, a mineral that naturally makes up much of your tooth enamel and is increasingly used in modern toothpaste formulations.
What is hydroxyapatite, and why is it in Tastebuds?
Hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring calcium phosphate mineral and one of the main building blocks of tooth enamel.
It's increasingly used in toothpaste because of its potential to remineralise teeth and enamel.
We include hydroxyapatite as part of our considered approach to everyday oral care.
Does Tastebuds actually clean my teeth?
Absolutely. That's still the main job.
Tastebuds contains calcium carbonate and hydrated silica, which help clean and polish the surface of your teeth as you brush.
Combined with regular brushing, these ingredients help remove everyday deposits from the tooth surface.
And while we've put a lot of thought into what goes into the tube, good brushing technique is just as important. Two minutes, twice a day.
What ingredients are in Tastebuds?
Every ingredient in Tastebuds has a purpose.
Our formula combines calcium carbonate and hydrated silica for cleaning and polishing, hydroxyapatite for enamel support, xylitol and stevia for a pleasant taste, and lauryl glucoside for gentle cleansing.
We've also included calendula, selected for its botanical properties, alongside Australian balm mint bush and peppermint oils to create our signature Mild Native Bush Mint flavour.
No SLS. No overpowering mint. Just a carefully considered formula made for good taste.
You can explore the complete ingredient list and learn what each one does on our Ingredients page.
What does natural toothpaste actually mean?
For us, natural isn't about making a long list of things we're against. It's about being thoughtful about what we put in.
We use a considered combination of mineral-based and naturally derived ingredients, chosen for their role in cleaning, texture, flavour and the overall brushing experience.
We believe every ingredient should earn its place in the tube.
Is Tastebuds suitable for sensitive teeth?
Tastebuds is formulated without SLS and uses a mild cleansing ingredient in its place.
However, it's not specifically formulated or tested as a treatment for sensitive teeth.
If you regularly experience discomfort when eating or drinking hot, cold or sweet foods, we'd recommend speaking with your dentist to understand the cause and find the most appropriate toothpaste.
Does Tastebuds help prevent cavities?
Good oral hygiene is essential for preventing tooth decay, and regular brushing helps remove plaque from your teeth.
Tastebuds is designed for everyday cleaning and contains hydroxyapatite, an ingredient being studied for its potential role in supporting tooth enamel.
However, for individual advice, particularly if you're prone to cavities, speak with your dentist.
What does Tastebuds taste like?
We call it Mild Native Bush Mint.
It's a gentle, refreshing combination of Australian balm mint bush and peppermint, developed to leave your mouth feeling clean and fresh without an overwhelming blast of mint.
We spent a lot of time getting the flavour right. After all, we're a toothpaste company built around good taste.
How much toothpaste should I use?
A pea-sized amount is all you need. In weight that is aproximately 1g per brush.
Brush thoroughly for two minutes, twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush in a gentle circular motion. Make sure you reach all the surfaces of your teeth, including those easy-to-forget places at the back.
Good technique matters more than a toothbrush piled high with toothpaste.
How long does a tube of Tastebuds last?
That depends on how much you use and how many people are sharing it.
With a pea-sized amount twice a day, one tube is designed to last approximately a month for one person.
There's no need to use more than you need. A little goes a long way.
Can I use Tastebuds with an electric toothbrush?
Of course.
Tastebuds can be used with both manual and electric toothbrushes. Whichever you prefer, use a soft brush head, gentle pressure and brush for two minutes, twice a day.
Where is Tastebuds made?
Tastebuds is formulated and packed in Sydney in a strictly controlled environment that operates under dual Pharmaceutical (TGA/GMP) and International Food Safety (HACCP/FSSC 22000) standards. Every batch undergoes rigorous raw-material testing, environmental monitoring, and meticulous quality audits. When you choose Tastebuds, you are choosing a product backed by the world's most stringent quality and regulatory frameworks.
Is Tastebuds vegan and cruelty-free?
Yes. Tastebuds is made without animal-derived ingredients, and we don't test our finished toothpaste on animals.
Good taste should extend beyond what's inside the tube.
Is Tastebuds packaging recyclable?
We've given careful consideration to our packaging.
The cardboard box can be placed in curbside recycling.
We choose an aluminium tube because it is made from a single, high-value material that can be recycled infinitely without losing its quality.
Not all Australian curbside recycling facilaties process toothpaste tubes. We recommend Terracycle facilaties for the best recycling outcomes for our toothpaste tubes.
Where can I buy Tastebuds?
You can order Tastebuds directly from our website, and we're working with a growing collection of independent retailers, coffee roasters and other good-taste enthusiasts around Australia.
If you'd like to find Tastebuds somewhere near you, get in touch and we'll point you in the right direction.
How much does shipping cost?
We ship Tastebuds throughout Australia and internationally.
Shipping is calculated at checkout, with free standard shipping on orders of $50 or more and subscriptions.
When will my order arrive?
We aim to pack and dispatch orders as quickly as possible.
Once your order is on its way, you'll receive tracking information so you can follow its journey.
Delivery times depend on your location and the shipping method selected at checkout.
Do you offer subscriptions?
Yes. Because running out of toothpaste is one of life's more avoidable inconveniences.
Our subscription options are designed to make keeping your bathroom stocked a little easier, with regular deliveries, savings on your order and less to remember.
Choose the quantity that suits your household and leave the rest to us.
Can I change or cancel my subscription?
We want your subscription to work for you.
You can manage your subscription through your customer account, subject to the terms of your selected plan. The ongoing three monthly subscription provides the greatest flexibility.
What if there's a problem with my order?
We want every Tastebuds experience to be a good one.
If your order arrives damaged, incorrect or there's anything you're unhappy with, please get in touch with our team and we'll help make it right. Email us at: brush@tastebudstoothpaste.com
I'd like to stock Tastebuds. Who should I contact?
We'd love to hear from you.
Tastebuds was created for people who care about good taste, and we're always interested in working with retailers, cafés, coffee roasters and businesses that share that thinking.
Get in touch through our wholesale enquiry page and we'll take it from there or email: brush@tastebudstoothpaste.com